Etihad Esco awards deals for solar power systems

DUBAI, May 19, 2017

The Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad Esco), a company launched by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), has awarded the tender for development, engineering, procurement, construction, operational services, maintenance, and installation of solar photovoltaic systems at 640 villas for nationals in Hatta.

The decision supports the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan, launched by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It is part of the Shams Dubai initiative, which encourages building owners to install solar panels on their rooftops to generate electricity and link it to Dewa’s network, said a Wam news agency report.

The tender has been awarded to three companies -- Alsa Solar, Al Mustajed General Contracting and the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence.

The company issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in January, and received proposals from 26 specialised companies, 11 of which were shortlisted. The final three were chosen from five companies that were selected to compete against each other. The photovoltaic installation project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018.

"In adherence to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan, we are working to meet all social, economical, environmental and developmental needs. We aim to transform Dubai into a global hub for clean energy and green economy, and ensure energy security and efficient energy usage" said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa.

Dewa is establishing a hydroelectric power plant in the mountains near Hatta Dam, in addition to other development projects that will be completed within five years. The project has a total capacity of 250 MW. Dewa’s Smart Grid initiative will oversee the installation of smart meters at buildings in Hatta, according to the highest international standards.

Dewa will also establish the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations through the Green Charger initiative, Al Tayer said.